The White Sox and Bears remain on parallel paths toward requests for massive public investments in new stadiums, even after baffling turns this week.
Earlier on Monday, the Bears issued a media release announcing a press conference on Wednesday regarding their proposal for a publicly owned enclosed stadium on the Museum Campus, which is strange timing considering the excitement surrounding their No. 1 overall pick in Thursday's NFL draft.
Later that day, Crain's Chicago Business published a story by Greg Hinz reporting that (a source close to) Jerry Reinsdorf says the city or state wouldn't necessarily be expected to foot the entire bill for a new White Sox ballpark at the proposed South Loop site.
“We never said there would not be White Sox investment in the potential development.”
“To the contrary,” the source continued, “We have been looking at several scenarios which would, under the right conditions, involve significant private investment. But as everyone knows, this is an evolving situation, and once we have a clear, definitive path, we will have a clear, definitive commitment."
A couple paragraphs later, Hinz writes:
The source did not define “significant.” But people close to negotiations say Reinsdorf has mentioned a figure of $200 million or more.
Pause for laughter, and for any or all of four reasons:
No. 1: The idea of "right conditions" being necessary for the White Sox to contribute some money when that should be a prerequisite.
No. 2: Reinsdorf is considering $200 million (or more) toward a $1.2B to $2B ballpark at a time when the Bears are reportedly planning to contribute $2 billion to a lakefront plan. Even if the domed stadium will cost considerably more and all the figures are made up regardless, the White Sox still aren't coming in hot here.
No. 3: Reinsdorf's White Sox are one of two teams that hasn't issued a $100 million contract. The money wasn't spent the last time the Sox promised they'd spend it, so why would Reinsdorf start now?
No. 4: The White Sox are 3-19 due mostly to Reinsdorf's stewardship of the team, and they're operating from rock bottom in terms of public goodwill. He doesn't seem to be aware that he's threatening fans with a good time here:
Reinsdorf, 88, said he has no plans to sell the team but indicated that his son might well do so after he dies unless the team has a long-term lease that would keep it in Chicago.
Basically, it seems like the White Sox and Related saw an opening to seize control of the hotel tax faucet while the Bears were wandering around Arlington Heights. Plan A ("Give us more money") didn't work, and if they had a Plan B, the Bears' more audacious Chicago plans are scrambling them. If Reinsdorf finishes as a runner-up to the McCaskeys, he might at least find comfort in the idea that second place is the best place to be.
